Supreme Court Delays Decision on Trump’s Attempt to Remove Watchdog Chief

The U.S. Supreme Court has delayed action on a request to allow former President Donald Trump to immediately dismiss Hampton Dellinger, head of the Office of Special Counsel. Appointed by President Biden, Dellinger had been temporarily protected from removal by a judge's order amidst an ongoing legal battle.

The U.S. Supreme Court has decided to delay its decision on whether former President Donald Trump can immediately dismiss Hampton Dellinger, the leader of a federal watchdog agency. The court's action follows a judge's order temporarily blocking Trump's attempt to oust Dellinger from his role at the Office of Special Counsel.

This case represents the first legal battle involving Trump's actions since his return to the presidency in January. With a 6-3 conservative majority, the Supreme Court has postponed action on the Justice Department's request until February 26, coinciding with the expiration of a temporary restraining order from U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson.

Dellinger, appointed during Joe Biden's presidency, claims Trump overstepped his authority in attempting to remove him, asserting the Protection under federal law for inefficiency, neglect, or malfeasance only. The Office of Special Counsel, responsible for safeguarding whistleblowers, is currently crucial during a period of significant government restructuring led by Trump's administration.

(With inputs from agencies.)